Quilt Month 2008: Crazy Patchwork and Novelty Quilts

The Alexandria Museum in the Village of Alexandria, Ohio, USA, also known as the pre-1860 Laycock House. April 2008 will see the fifth Quilt Month exhibit and events organized by the Alexandria Museum, with quilts and patchwork shown in the Museum, Village offices, the Library, and in local businesses. The exhibits are free of charge, and a booklet is available (for a small fee) that has photos and histories of the pieces on exhibit. Lectures and classes on quilt-related topics are also scheduled, all available free of charge though some require advance registration. The Museum will be open extended hours during Quilt Month, Fridays 3-5:30 pm, Saturdays and Sundays 12 noon to 4 pm.

Beginning Friday, April 4th and running through Sunday, May 4th, this year's theme is "Crazy Patchwork and Novelty Quilts," featuring quilts in the carefree "scrappy" style of crazy-quilt patchwork or with unique designs or fabrics. We have over 30 quilts on loan from many different individuals and other museums, including the quilt made to celebrate this year's bicentennial of the formation of Licking County. The most unusual item loaned so far is a "Road Kill Chicken" quilted wall hanging, the largest is a quilt including all of one young woman's 4-H ribbons, and some very unique fabrics and ideas are incorporated into every piece that will be on display.

Saturday, April 5th, (time to be announced) we have a hand-quilting class on an antique frame at the Museum. Beginners and experienced quilters are all invited. Call Donna Herring at 924-0516 for more information or to register by Wednesday, April 3rd.

Thursday, April 17th, at 7 pm in the Alexandria Library meeting room, 10 Maple Drive, Liz Bicking of Granville, who coordinated and helped to make the Licking County Bicentennial Quilt, will give a one hour talk. The bicentennial quilt will be the focal point, and she will discuss how the quilt came to be and how the history of the county is woven into the quilt blocks for each township. The bicentennial Licking County history photo book will be available for purchase after the presentation.

Saturday, April 26th, starting at 9 am, come learn to make a crazy patchwork vest that you can wear home after the class! Call Martha Sturgill at 924-3561 or 924-2453 for more information and to register by Wednesday, April 23rd. A list of supplies you will need for the class will be sent to registrants; some sewing skills would be helpful, but are not necessary.

The Alexandria Museum is located in the historic (pre-1860) Laycock House, at 23 West Main Street (SR 37) in the center of the Village of Alexandria, Licking County. The Museum is open regularly March through December, on Sundays from 2 pm to 4 pm and by appointment, with extended hours for special exhibits. For more information about the Museum or Quilt Month, call Martha Sturgill (740-924-2453).

Check back for updates on events and hours, including hours for quilt venues other than the Museum. Generally Friday has been the best day to see all the quilts in one trip, but we are still working out some details for this year's logistics. Hope to see you at the Museum in April!

Last updated: Wednesday, 19-Mar-2008 18:45:43 PDT